At Karachi coast there was large-scale death of fish occurred which has shocked the fishermen who demanded an immediate enquiry into that. The fishermen asked the concerned authorities to conduct a survey to know the actual reasons behind the death of the fish and to take necessary measures to combat the problem.
Many fish species including Mullet, Bohi have been found dead at the seashore near Baba, Bhit, Shamspir and Salehabad islands, the premises of Karachi Fish Harbour (KFH) and other coastal villages for the last couple of days. According to the Marine Fisheries Department high level of marine pollution might be the main reason of this loss. The department informed that the sea received chemical and industrial waste through different channels, which could be the main factor behind the death of the fish.
Rafiq Parhyar, a local activist of Baba Island, told that the villagers have witnessed that, after every two months, they find a large number of dead fish near their island villages and jetties. He added that the factory trawlers, operating near the country’s coast, may trash un-sellable fish back into the sea, which is increases the pollution that destroys marine species.
Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) Chairman, Mohammed Ali Shah, said that the fishermen have asked the concerned government authorities to conduct a survey to identify the actual reason of this loss, but got no response from them. According to him if the authorities failed to take immediate actions then it might push the fishermen’s future into dark.
Rashid Yahya Usmani, Chief Marine Engineer, Marine Pollution Control Department told that it was not unusual occurrence as it is natural and referred to as the “Red Tide” phenomenon. He explained when toxic red algae detaches from the bottom of the sea floor and rises towards the surface. The fish eats these algae and washes ashore dead.
